No easy games: Pasuwa

comeback stories in the history of the Premiership, by winning the league championship this season.
DeMbare are seven points off the leadership, with 30 points still to play for, after FC Platinum surrendered five points in two visits to the City of Kings within a week.

Highlanders’ 1-0 win over FC Platinum at Barbourfields, which moved Bosso within just six points of the leaders, opened a window of hope for the giants and gave an interesting dimension to the battle.
With FC Platinum and Motor Action clashing in a top-of-table meeting in Zvishavane on Sunday, a draw in that match could open the window even wider should the big boys win this weekend.

Dynamos host Shabanie at Rufaro on Sunday and, although the Harare giants are favourites to give Pasuwa his second full set of points, the coach believes nothing can be taken for granted at this stage of the season.
Pasuwa was thrust into the coaching post at Dynamos last week, taking over from his close pal Lloyd Mutasa, who was fired after the club’s executive felt he had failed to steer the club to the expected heights.

Under Mutasa, Dynamos put on their worst performance in the African Champions League in which they were knocked out in the first round and also made their worst start to the league campaign since the turn of the millennium.
Now the Harare giants have a mammoth task in their bid to win the Castle Lager Premiership.
Dynamos have also surrendered the premier knock-out cup – the BancABC Sup8r – after losing to Motor Action.

Pasuwa got off to a fine start as head coach when his charges came from behind to win 4-1 against the Wild Boys at Rufaro last Sunday.
“I think we did not play very well in the first half because we pumped some long balls upfront while our we were not good on the aerial tussles,” said Pasuwa.
“Instead, we should have been building up from the back. We also tended to play the ball across the field instead of moving forward.

“Then we also over-carried the ball and at times gave away possession. However, we had improved in the second half of the game.”
As Pasuwa arrived to take charge, Dynamos also abandoned the ritual of praying facing the east, which had been introduced by Mutasa.
Before their game against Shooting Stars, DeMbare players revisited the old tradition of praying while kneeling along their goalline.

Pasuwa said there will be no free points in the countdown to the end of the marathon.
“I have told the players that every opponent will be motivated to play against Dynamos because it is such games that make them counted,” he said.
“So the players should give 120 percent effort in every game because there is always going to be some pressure for Dynamos in matches. Now that we have won, the expectations are growing more and more.

“So we need to play and get as many points as possible in each and every game.”
A former Zimbabwe international, Pasuwa is happy that veteran midfielder Murape Murape has recovered from the injury he picked up in the weekend game.
“Murape had a knock during the game but he was at full training” said Pasuwa.

The coach said he was waiting for the greenlight to field Peter Ngwenya.
“I understand that he has agreed personal terms with the administrators but I am not clear on his clearance,” said Pasuwa.
Pasuwa said he still prefers to keep his cards close to his chest as he embarks on his new career but he is happy that his strikeforce had been boosted by the arrival of Cuthbert Malajila.

Shabanie have also been picking up points since Luke Masomere took over.
The former Masvingo United coach hopes that his team will be able escape the chop at the end of the season.
Masomere has roped in the services of former Zimbabwe international Zvenyika Makonese but the defender is still to be given game time.

“He is not yet match fit. It’s like we are starting to work with him again but so far everything is okay and I cannot complain much,” said Masomere.
Another interesting tie will be at Mandava where FC Platinum host Motor Action in a top-of-the-table clash.

Both teams are tied on 40 points and pressure is now on FC Platinum, who fell to a 1-0 defeat to Highlanders at Barbourfields on Wednesday.
Meanwhile league matches involving police side Black Mambas have been put on hold as the team has players in the SARPCCO Games team currently in the DRC.

Fixtures
Tommorow
Gunners v Zimbabwe Saints (Lafarge), Monomotapa v Shooting Stars (Rufaro), Kiglon v Blue Ribbon (Gwanzura)
Sunday
FC Platinum v Motor Action (Mandava), Dynamos v Shabanie Mine (Rufaro), Hwange v CAPS United (Colliery), Highlanders v Chicken Inn (BF), Masvingo v Black Mambas (Postponed).